The Best Private Schools in Yorktown, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Yorktown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
York Academy
Independent
York Academy is a highly-regarded independent private school located directly in Yorktown, offering a comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, allowing for personalized attention. Their robust STEM program includes advanced mathematics, robotics, and science laboratories, complemented by strong arts integration with dedicated music, visual arts, and drama programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong community feel.
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Walsingham Academy
Independent Catholic
Walsingham Academy is a premier independent Catholic school serving the greater Williamsburg area, including Yorktown families. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from preschool through 12th grade, including an International Baccalaureate program for high school students. The 30-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, multiple athletic fields, and modern classroom technology. Academic programs are complemented by extensive athletic offerings including championship teams in multiple sports, robust arts programs, and community service initiatives. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, Walsingham consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities and maintains strong parent satisfaction through its balanced approach to education and character development.
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St. Mary's Star of the Sea School
Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Located just minutes from Yorktown in Newport News, St. Mary's Star of the Sea has served the Virginia Peninsula for over seven decades. This Catholic private school offers education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based values and academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science labs, and religious education. Facilities include a modern library, computer lab, gymnasium, and dedicated art and music rooms. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and community service programs. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong academic foundation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Yorktown, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Yorktown, Virginia, and what grade levels do they serve?
Yorktown, VA, and the surrounding Historic Triangle area offer several well-regarded private schools. The most prominent local options include York Academy (Pre-K through 8th grade), St. Mary's Star of the Sea School (Pre-K through 8th grade), and Walsingham Academy (Pre-K through 12th grade), which is located in nearby Williamsburg but serves many Yorktown families. These schools provide a continuum of education, with Walsingham being the only local option for a private high school experience. Parents should also consider other nearby independent and faith-based schools in Newport News and Williamsburg for a broader range of choices.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Yorktown, Virginia, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Yorktown-area private schools is generally competitive with the Virginia state average for similar institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 for elementary grades and higher for secondary levels at schools like Walsingham. Virginia offers tax credit scholarships, such as the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program, which can provide need-based assistance. Additionally, most local schools, including St. Mary's and Walsingham, have their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidy programs for members. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited and processes often align with January/February admissions timelines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Yorktown private schools offer that leverage the area's historical and coastal environment?
Private schools in the Yorktown area deeply integrate the region's rich history and natural resources into their curricula. For instance, York Academy and St. Mary's Star of the Sea School often include field studies to the Yorktown Battlefield, Colonial National Historical Park, and the Watermen's Museum as part of their history and science programs. Walsingham Academy emphasizes STEM and marine science, with opportunities for coastal ecology projects along the York River and Chesapeake Bay. Many schools also participate in local events like Yorktown's Fourth of July celebration and the Yorktown Day commemoration, providing living history experiences that are a distinctive advantage of an education in this region.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Yorktown, VA, and are there waitlists for popular grades?
The enrollment process for Yorktown private schools typically begins in the fall, with open houses held from October through January. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid requests often fall between January and February for the following academic year. Schools like Walsingham Academy may require entrance exams (such as the HSPT) for middle and high school applicants. Due to small class sizes, especially in popular entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade, waitlists are common at York Academy and St. Mary's. It is highly recommended that Yorktown families initiate inquiries early, schedule campus tours, and submit applications well before the stated deadlines to secure a spot.
For families considering both sectors, what are the notable differences between Yorktown's public schools (York County School Division) and the local private school options?
The primary differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and religious education. York County Public Schools are highly rated in Virginia but have larger class sizes. Local private schools offer significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention. Religiously affiliated schools like St. Mary's (Catholic) and Walsingham (Catholic) integrate faith-based education, which public schools cannot offer. Academically, private schools often have more flexibility to accelerate learning or implement specialized programs without state-mandated testing constraints. However, public schools provide a broader range of extracurriculars and specialized programs at no direct tuition cost. The choice often hinges on a family's priorities for educational philosophy, community environment, and budget.
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